Community

Changes at Neighborhood Cooperative Ministries Help Further Community Mission

Published

1 year ago

February 18, 2024

Arlinda Smith Broady

Neighborhood Cooperative Ministries vegetable truck

Neighborhoo d Cooperative Ministries has been battling poverty, food insecurity and homelessness, among other crisis events, in southwest Gwinnett, for 27 years. In total, NCM served more than 25,000 individuals in 2023, through direct support and personal empowerment programs.

Over time, the county’s demographics have changed, meaning the organization has needed to adapt to serve the community.

Families now face long-term needs due to fixed incomes, homelessness, abuse, language barriers, single-parent homes and many other circumstances, according to the NCM website.

NCM now serves 50 to 70 families each day from a 12,000-square-foot facility. In addition to a food pantry, NCM offers job readiness classes, on-site hiring events, money management courses and regular health fairs.

A new course of leadership

Perhaps one of the biggest changes took effect this January. After almost 30 years of service to NCM, Executive Director Shirley Cabe will now give her primary focus to what she loves the most, the organization’s clients.

Cabe has been with NCM since its inception and has helped grow the organization tremendously as needs in this service area have drastically changed.

NCM’s Board of Directors supported Cabe’s request and developed a new role specifically for her. She will now serve as Director of Client Operations, allowing her to use her exceptional gifts and talents to serve those in need.

Additionally, Cabe will lead the expansion of the food program as refrigerated products will be added to client food offerings. Healthier food options such as protein, produce, reclaimed food and more will also be added.

“Healthier intake directly correlates to improved health and more productivity,” said Cabe in a news release. “This new initiative is huge for the clients we serve. We want to positively contribute to breaking the cycle of poverty. I am excited about the opportunities ahead for NCM and grateful to transition into this new role, focusing on more impactful service to our clients.”

With Cabe’s new role, former Director of Community Relations Ryan Jones will take over as Executive Director.

Jones has been with NCM for three years. Under Jones’ leadership, the organization held its most successful fundraising event to date, bringing in over $519,000 to continue its mission of making a difference one family at a time.

“Building out our team and people is the next step in the process,” said Jones. The big thing with the staffing change is just honoring Shirley and her years at this organization and allowing her to serve people, which is the heartbeat of our organization; that’s how she best serves–interacting with our clients in our community.”

Cabe’s larger role in the food program will help keep it running smoothly, he added.

There is already an established pickup schedule from Publix and the Atlanta Community Food Bank. Jones explained that about 40% of food in the United States is wasted.

With new resources in place to access surpluses from supermarkets, restaurants, distributors, farmers and more, NCM can put a sizeable dent in southwest Gwinnett county’s share of the waste.

“We hope to use food as a resource, as we have more touch points with families that we see. So, as things come up in their lives, they’re seeing us more often, and we can step in when unexpected emergencies happen and try to address kind of the issues that have brought them to us in the first place,” Jones explained. “And with that comes just a lot more work.”

Dedicated board members

Les Harper, who succeeded Elizabeth Gross, has taken over as chairman of the board of directors to help with the vision for that work.

“My wife and I have been involved with Neighborhood Coop for a long time, volunteered through the church, and supported financially through the church over the years,” said Harper.

When I retired from working a couple of years ago and was looking for opportunities to give back to the community … one thing led to another, and I had the opportunity to join the board,” he added. “I started on the board a couple of years ago, and then last year, I was asked if I would consider stepping into the board chair role [this year], which I was excited to do.”

Harper’s experience on the board and working closely with Gross for an entire year allowed him to step in almost seamlessly into the new position.

“Elizabeth and I had a chance to work together in some leadership roles at church over the years. So, we have chaired and co-chaired a number of things over the years,” he said.

“For the past 12 months, she’s been great at including me in everything and making sure that I was up to speed on everything, fully involved, and ready to go,” he said.

Anyone involved in large-scale non-profit activities appreciates the time, energy, and resources that go into community organizing. To be good stewards of community trust, funds and well-being, NCM has focused on making operations run smoothly.

“NCM is definitely a feet-washing ministry, especially with the food. … A lot of times it’s heavy, and it’s a lot of hard work, but it’s well worth it,” Jones said. “I’m moving from strictly fundraising to overseeing all aspects of the organization and strategic oversight of all the initiatives that we have going on. … I was born in Gwinnett County. “So, really, the big reasons that I left my corporate job to come to NCM is how impressed I was with the board and the staff when I met them before coming on and the fact that it serves an area where I grew up that has a lot of need,” he commented.

Neighborhood Cooperative Ministries
500 Pinnacle Ct
Norcross, GA 30071
www.ourncm.org
770-263-8268

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Arlinda Smith Broady

Arlinda Smith Broady is part of the Boomerang Generation of Blacks that moved back to the South after their ancestors moved North. With approximately three decades of journalism experience (she doesn't look it), she's worked in tiny, minority-based newsrooms to major metropolitans. At every endeavor she brings professionalism, passion, pluck, and the desire to spread the news to the people.

City of Peachtree Corners

Public Notice: Scheduled Maintenance on Town Center Parking Deck

Published

8 hours ago

March 25, 2025

Peachtree Corners Magazine staff

Maintenance and repairs will take place from March through July; the deck will remain open to the public throughout

Starting the week of March 24, the City of Peachtree Corners will begin scheduled maintenance and repairs on the Town Center Parking Deck. These improvements are expected to continue through July 2025 and are necessary to ensure the longevity of the structure.

During this period, the deck will remain open to the public, but the repair areas will be temporarily closed on a rolling basis. These closures will allow crews to efficiently complete the necessary work while minimizing disruption to tenants, customers and residents.

To assist with navigation, directional signage, barriers and other safety measures will be in place to guide drivers and pedestrians safely around work areas. For public safety, drivers must follow the directional signage and only park in the open sections of the deck.

The city appreciates the public’s patience and cooperation as they work to maintain a safe and well-functioning parking facility.

For project updates, visit peachtreecornersga.gov.

City of Peachtree Corners

Fun for a Good Cause at Curiosity Lab’s Inaugural 5K Run/Walk

Published

1 week ago

March 18, 2025

Peachtree Corners Magazine staff

The Charity Run/Walk will be part of Curiosity Lab’s annual Criterium event

Expect a day of thrilling races and family-friendly fun at the inaugural Curiosity Lab Charity 5K Run/Walk followed by the Curiosity Lab Criterium on Sunday, April 27.

The day-long community event will kick off at 8 a.m., when registration opens for the 5K. The race will start at 9 a.m. and end at 10:30 a.m., and the Criterium will begin at 11:15 a.m.

In addition to the running and cycling events, there will also be kid’s races, food & beverage vendors, a kids zone, a DJ spinning tunes and more fun throughout the day.

The Charity 5K Run/Walk

Presented by Werfen and Sidel, with additional support provided by Atlas Collaborative and the City of Peachtree Corners, the Charity 5K Run/Walk will benefit the American Leukemia and Lymphoma Society and 100% of the registration fees will be donated.

While no prizes will be given for the race, bib timing will be used for those who would like to see their times. And each registrant will receive a Curiosity Lab Charity 5K Run/Walk t-shirt for participating.

Registration for the 5K is open now.

Curiosity Lab Criterium

Following the 5K, hang around and experience the Curiosity Lab Criterium, part of U.S. Pro Cycling’s Speed Week.

Speed Week is a premiere week-long event on the U.S. Pro Cycling Circuit that draws cyclists from around the world, including Olympic medalists and world and national champions. In 2024, the professional men’s and women’s events drew cyclists from over 30 states and more than 20 countries.

A group of bikers at the starting line, competing in a bike race. — photo courtesy of City of Peachtree Corners

Join in the excitement and watch as some of the world’s top male and female Criterium Racers tackle the most challenging track on the circuit.

The details

The 2025 Curiosity Lab Criterium & 5K will take place on a course located within the world-famous Curiosity Lab at Peachtree Corners — a 5G-enabled, 500-acre living laboratory ecosystem designed specifically as a proving ground for IoT, mobility and smart city emerging technologies.

Location: Curiosity Lab at City Hall • 310 Technology Pkwy NW, Peachtree Corners

Date and time: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. The 5K starts at 9 a.m and ends at 10:30 a.m. The Criterium begins at 11:15 a.m.

Parking for the event will be located at 400 and 420 Technology Parkway, Peachtree Corners.

For more information, visit peachtreecornersga.gov.

Community

Upcoming Spring Events You Won’t Want to Miss in April

Published

1 week ago

March 17, 2025

Shawne Taylor

Close-up of a cornhole board and a hand reaching down to pick up blue/green beanbags.

The sun is out, days are getting warmer and spring is on its way. That means more time outdoors and more fun events and activities in and around Peachtree Corners.

From movies and sports to live music and family fun, now’s the time to mark your calendar for all of the upcoming events you won’t want to miss. We’re sharing a few of our April favorites to get you started.

CrossFit on the Green

All ages and fitness levels are invited to join Terrance Fox with CrossFit PPG on the Peachtree Corners Town Green, Thursdays at 8 a.m. for a strength and conditioning workout. Bring water (no glass containers), a small towel or two, and a mat if possible. Wear comfortable workout attire and good shoes. March–November. Admission: free

Peachtree Corners Town Green • 5140 Town Green Blvd., Peachtree Corners

Cornhole Spring League

Come out and cheer on the teams who’ve registered to compete in this seven-week spring league. Play takes place weekly beginning March 20 and ends on May 15 with a tournament and trophy. 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Admission: free

The Forum at Peachtree Corners • 5155 Peachtree Parkway, Peachtree Corners

Friday Night Live

Kick back and groove to the smooth sounds of live music from favorite local artists every Friday night on The Plaza, April–October. Concert schedule will be announced soon. 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Admission: free

The Forum at Peachtree Corners • 5155 Peachtree Parkway, Peachtree Corners

A band performing on an outdoor stage. A man with short hair, white t-shirt and sunglasses sings into the mic and points to the crowd. A woman with dark hair and short, black dress is in the background smiling. And other musicians are behind them. — photo courtesy of The Forum at Peachtree Corners

Kids and Parents Gardening Workshop

This gardening workshop presented by nonprofit group DFOWW will share basic gardening information for youth ages 5–12 and their parent or guardian. Seeds, plants and a catered lunch will be provided. Register online. April 5 from 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Tickets: $75 per adult; $10 per adult for low-income families

Norcross Cultural Arts and Community Center • 10 College St., Norcross

Forum Flicks

Forum Flicks are back for 2025. Gather on The Plaza and enjoy your favorite movies on the big screen on the second Tuesday of each month. Movie schedule will be announced soon. April–October starting at 6 p.m. Admission: free

The Forum at Peachtree Corners • 5155 Peachtree Parkway, Peachtree Corners

Spring Plant & Pot Sale

Kick off the spring gardening season with this four-day sale of plants and pots. Tomatoes, peppers, herbs, flowers and more will be available for purchase. April 19, 21–23 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday; 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. Monday–Wednesday.

Peachtree Farm • 356 Research Ct., Peachtree Corners

Close-up or small hands holding a tiny green plant in soil. — photo courtesy of Gwinnett County Public Library

Earth Day Celebration

Learn about the origins of Earth Day and create seed bombs to take home with you at this all-ages workshop. April 22 from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. Admission: free. Registration is not required.

Peachtree Corners Library • 5570 Spalding Drive, Peachtree Corners

Mt. Carmel Spring BBQ

Enjoy pork BBQ, Brunswick stew, slaw and desserts. The event will continue until items sell out. Dine in and take out are available. April 25 starting at 11 a.m.

Mount Carmel United Methodist Church • 5100 S. Old Peachtree Rd., Peachtree Corners

Wesleyan Artist Market

This annual two-day market showcase features a curated selection of artwork, handmade goods, jewelry and more, with offerings from professional artists as well as student artists. April 25–26 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Friday; 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday.

Wesleyan School • 5405 Spalding Drive, Peachtree Corners

Spring Fest!

Welcome spring at CtK’s annual Spring Fest! Families are invited to join in for a day of free family fun, food, face painting, a petting zoo and more. April 26 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Admission: free

Christ the King Lutheran Church • 5575 Peachtree Parkway, Peachtree Corners

Curiosity Lab Criterium and Charity 5K Run/Walk

This day-long, family-friendly event on April 27 will feature an inaugural charity 5K Run/Walk to benefit the American Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Following the race, guests are invited to hang around and experience the Curiosity Lab Criterium, a U.S. Pro Cycling Circuit Race. The 5K starts at 9 a.m.; the bike race begins at 11:15 a.m. There will also be kid’s races, food & beverage vendors, a kids zone, DJ and more throughout the day. From 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Curiosity Lab at City Hall • 310 Technology Pkwy NW, Peachtree Corners